Title: The Best of Korean Gayageum Music, Byungki Hwang - Korea The doyen of Korean classical music, traditional and newly composed, is Byungki Hwang. His instrument is the gayageum, which is a convex, 17-string zither with moveable bridges: a cousin of the Chinese zheng and the Japanense koto. But that is the extent of the resemblance, because Korean music is unique. The sound is more raw and deeper in pitch with inflections that echo Korean speech patterns. The classical format, sanjo, is similar to Indian ragas by increasing in tempo over the composition and in being supported by a drum, here an hourglass one, the jaggu, played with sticks on either side. The compositions of this album, however, are recent, Western influenced and occasionally avant garde; they usually begin and end slowly. One track is performed by a transverse bamboo flute, the daegeum, and another includes a 6-string fretted zither, the geomungo. Vocals are also present on some selections. The album is a well-chosen anthology of Hwang's many Korean recordings. If the listener is unaccustomed to such music, it will take a few moments to appreciate the varied melodies and driving rhythms and then to follow the meditative flow. The mood is quiet, atmospheric, sometimes serious, but at times jaunty. If you are looking for a recording to learn about the heart of Korean music through modern interpretations, rather than the variety of traditional sounds, this collection is a gentle yet sophisticated introduction. Titles   1. Darha Nopigom (Reverently) 2. Darha Nopigom (Jungjungmori) 3. Darha Nopigom (Eonmori) 4. Darha Nopigom (Peacefully) 5. Darha Nopigom (Eonmori) 6. Sigyetap (The Clock Tower), 1st movement 7. Sigyetap (The Clock Tower), 2nd movement 8. Sigyetap (The Clock Tower), 3rd movement 9. Sigyetap (The Clock Tower), 4th movement 10. Hamadan (1st movement) 11. Hamadan (2nd movement) 12. Hamadan (3rd movement) 13. Jasi (Night Watch) 14. Nakdoeum (1st movement) 15. Nakdoeum (2nd movement) 16. Nakdoeum (3rd movement) 17. Nakdoeum (4th movement) 18. Moon of My Hometown 19. Chahyangije (Two Poems on the Fragrance of Tea) (Yeoeum) 20. Chahyangije (Two Poems on the Fragrance of Tea) (Brewing Tea 21. Chahyangije (Two Poems on the Fragrance of Tea)(Drinking Tea 22. Chucheonsa (Swinging Song)